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Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 Players to Watch in First Preseason Game

By David Morassutti

Mar 29, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Michael Grabner (40) celebrates with defenseman Frank Corrado (20) and right wing Connor Brown (16) after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers in the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Michael Grabner (40) celebrates with defenseman Frank Corrado (20) and right wing Connor Brown (16) after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers in the first period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Mar 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Connor Brown (16) skates against the Buffalo Sabres at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Buffalo 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Connor Brown

Brown’s journey to the NHL is a fascinating one. He was selected 156th overall back in 2012 and has been proving people wrong ever since.

Brown made the move to the AHL in 2014-15 and led the Toronto Marlies in scoring, with 61 points in 76 games. He had a bad ankle injury that kept him out for most of the season last year, but came back strong and earned a call-up to the Leafs, scoring six points in seven games.

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He may not be the flashiest player or have the same pedigree as Matthews, Nylander or Marner, but he has a lot to offer the Leafs. He is a smart player that plays a complete game, which is what the Leafs like from him, because it means they don’t need to spend time working on his defensive game.

According to the training camp roster, Brown sits at 190 lbs, which is a great thing to see, because he is still an explosive player who knows where to be on the ice and has dangerous offensive instincts.

He could push for a top six role either on a line with Nazem Kadri or Bozak at right wing, especially if Nylander and Matthews play together. Marner will likely occupy the other right wing spot in the top-six, depending on how he performs.

Many will look at the fact Brown does not have to go through waivers, but at this point there is nothing left for him to prove in the AHL. Unless he suffers an injury or struggles a lot during camp, he should not be with the Marlies this season.

Brown will likely prove this during training camp and exhibition play. Considering that he is playing with Kadri to start training camp, it should also be an indication the Leafs are ready to give him the opportunity to play a prominent role with the team.

Next: Where will the Leafs finish in the standings this season?

The Leafs play their first preseason game Monday, September 26th at 6:00pm on TSN 4 & TSN 5. Is there anything in particular you will be looking for? Let us know in the comments section below.

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